Are you searching for an easier, wheelchair-friendly way to better enjoy your home’s outdoor space? Or maybe you’re looking for a comfortable way to age in place while preserving the functionality of your front steps? If so, a residential wheelchair lift is often a welcome addition for a variety of reasons.
Since 1987, RAM Elevators + Lifts has been providing residential and commercial mobility solutions across North America. Read on with us, as we dive into some of the ways that a fully enclosed outdoor lift can dramatically improve day-to-day living. Let’s dive in.
#1: Reliable Home Access
In many homes, front and back porches often have the steepest rises. For those with mobility issues, this area can also pose the greatest challenges. Outdoor porches are often among the home’s highest-traffic areas, which must be navigated for anyone going out or coming in.
A fully enclosed residential wheelchair lift offers lasting peace of mind, allowing anyone to more easily access landings and doorways.
#2: Protection from Sun, Rain & Elements
With the great outdoors naturally come rainy days, long hours of sweltering sun, breakneck wind, and exposure to other elements. An enclosure can help your lift feel more comfortable to use throughout the year. For example, the Flex Lift VPL is rated for temperatures ranging from -35°C to 35°C. A residential wheelchair lift offers reliable, unrestricted access rather than occasional access only when weather conditions allow.
An enclosure also acts as a layer of protection against unauthorized use, vandalism, or tampering.
#3: Privacy
Not everyone wants to feel on display going in and out of their home. While outdoor residential wheelchair lifts provide access to decks, gardens, and front doors, they generally offer little privacy beyond that. Fortunately, an enclosure can provide privacy from sidewalks, driveways, neighbours, and passing cars with ease. An enclosed lift allows users to load in and out without feeling exposed.
#4: Reduces Slip Risks
Outdoor spaces are naturally exposed to changing weather conditions. From rainy spring showers to freezing sleet and snow, North American homeowners are no strangers to these conditions. These elements can naturally mean slippery, unsafe conditions both on or around back porches and landings.
As a result, any outdoor lift can benefit from a full enclosure to ensure the platform remains dry. While an outdoor lift of any kind should be outfitted with non-slip flooring, a full enclosure can further protect the lift’s surfaces and help prevent additional fall risks.
An Outdoor Accessibility Solution
RAM is proud to offer our flagship residential wheelchair lift, the Flex Lift VPL, with an enclosure addition. This high-quality enclosure is constructed from strong, durable glass and aluminum and is well-suited for outdoor use. It can also be further tailored to your space, with classic colours, timeless lighting, and more.
Since RAM’s inception nearly 40 years ago, the Flex Lift has been engineered to industry-award standards. We pride ourselves on our code compliance consultancy, and the Flex Lift is a result of this—dedicated to meet ASME and CSA North American code.
With nearly 70 configurations, the Flex Lift can be integrated into nearly any space. Thanks to its robust yet seamless design, the Flex Lift can often be installed within a few hours. Our residential wheelchair lift also features signature RAM features such as our All-Electric Drive System.
Dignified Accessibility with RAM
If you’re planning an outdoor accessibility upgrade, an enclosed residential wheelchair lift offers year-round comfort and added assurance. At RAM Elevators + Lifts, we believe that your home deserves to be comfortable and fully accessible, both inside and out. Browse our website to learn more about our inclusive mobility solutions, and get in touch with us to locate a local RAM dealer near you.